Multiple Dominos? Who Uses Them?

[onocoffee]

With the revelation in the other thread that a number of you keep multiple routers set up for various tasks, it got me wondering how many of you maintain multiple Domino (either the 500 or 700) set up for various tasks? And if so, what are those tasks?

 

[Cheese]

I'm not saying this condition doesn't exist, but it'd probably be pretty rare.  [smile]

Keeping a $200 router captive in jail is one thing while keeping a $1200 Domino captive in jail is another.

Also for routers, the router and bit "set up" is usually dictated by the router bit depth that's needed which is the reason you just leave it alone while with the Domino, the bit depth can always be changed and is dictated by internal Domino hard stop depth adjustments.

 

[Lincoln]

Not something I'd ever entertain. It's too easy to change the cutter and get back to work, would rather spend that AU$2100 (!!!) on something else.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I have both models and as others have pointed out, setup is trivially easy, so to me it would be a very niche or rare case you'd have it setup long term for a single specific function. This is where jigs for specific purposes using the Domino might be more appropriate.

The thing that probably makes it even easier for me is that I pretty much only ever reference off the top face for all parts in a project. I also rarely cut any wide slots unless I'm using the extra wide tenons I've machined. The fit and machine is so precise that so long as you mark out and align the tool correctly, only narrow slots are needed. Saves a lot of glue mess.

 

[ChuckM]

Of all the domino users I know in person, none has both models. That says about how common or uncommon people own both models for the sake of keeping just one setting in each model.

Perhaps if the machine were designed with cumbersome procedures to change its settings, or it costs just a few hundred dollars to own one, people wouldn't mind getting both (or even more) for their shops. It's not unusual to find more than one drill press or miter saw in a shop.

 

[squall_line]

I "own" three DF500s (one is on permanent loan to my brother) and one DF700, and the DF700 has "preset" depths on it that make it pretty trivial to re-set for different mortise depths, but the 500 is pretty easy to set, too.  I never have more than one out at a time.

As others mentioned, the thing that takes the longest to set or re-set with either unit is changing the bit, which you aren't likely to do mid-project, since mating mortises require the same bit size.  I've found in my workflow that I will do all of my edge mortises, then reset the fence/depth and do all of my face mortises, making "re-set" time pretty trivial in the overall scheme of things.  It takes longer to clean up my pencil marks than it does to cut the slots.

The only thing that would be easier with a second unit would be if one was using a fence attachment of some sort that got in the way for either a face or edge mortise, like the Domiplate.  Even then, you just do all of the edges first and then all of the faces.

 

[MikeGE]

Of all the domino users I know in person, none has both models. That says about how common or uncommon people own both models for the sake of keeping just one setting in each model.

 

I realize we have never met, but I own both models and use both when appropriate for the project.  The DF 700 was my first Festool purchase.  At the time, I wanted it for a large gate and fence project and the 14mm loose tenons were a perfect choice for me.  I've used it since on large interior projects and have no intention of getting rid of it. 

Later I bought the DF 500, and use it in almost every project.  I would never consider having multiple versions with different settings to speed up production.  [smile]

 

[luvmytoolz]

Of all the domino users I know in person, none has both models. That says about how common or uncommon people own both models for the sake of keeping just one setting in each model.

 

I realize we have never met, but I own both models and use both when appropriate for the project.  The DF 700 was my first Festool purchase.  At the time, I wanted it for a large gate and fence project and the 14mm loose tenons were a perfect choice for me.  I've used it since on large interior projects and have no intention of getting rid of it. 

Later I bought the DF 500, and use it in almost every project.  I would never consider having multiple versions with different settings to speed up production.  [smile]

Same!

I originally bought the DF700 many years back for working on doors, panels, etc, and got the DF500 a few years ago for all the smaller stuff. I probably use the DF500 more, but would never consider selling the DF700 as when it's needed, it's really needed!

 

[SoonerFan]

Of all the domino users I know in person, none has both models. That says about how common or uncommon people own both models for the sake of keeping just one setting in each model.

 

I realize we have never met, but I own both models and use both when appropriate for the project.  The DF 700 was my first Festool purchase.  At the time, I wanted it for a large gate and fence project and the 14mm loose tenons were a perfect choice for me.  I've used it since on large interior projects and have no intention of getting rid of it. 

Later I bought the DF 500, and use it in almost every project.  I would never consider having multiple versions with different settings to speed up production.  [smile]

Same!

I originally bought the DF700 many years back for working on doors, panels, etc, and got the DF500 a few years ago for all the smaller stuff. I probably use the DF500 more, but would never consider selling the DF700 as when it's needed, it's really needed!

I have both but purchased in the opposite order. I got the DF500 first and use it the most. Later I started building bigger table tops, etc. I needed larger tenons so got the DF700.  As others have said, setup is fast so neither has a dedicated operation.

 

[Brian Livingstone]

I bought the Df500 in 2007.  Sold it in 2019, bought the 700.  Missed the 500 so I bought a new one.  Now I have both.  Keeping them long term.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have and use both. The 500 came first and is used most of the time. The 700 came when I had to build a bunch of benches out of Ipe (tough wood). I wish Festool would offer the 500 with the same form factor as the 700 but scaled down.

 

[jeffinsgf]

One Domino joiner. Multiple Domino tenons in most joints.  [big grin]

 

[ChuckM]

The two cabinetmakers who use the domino joiners for a living in my circle own only the DF500 because they use their old router methods, if needed, to do what the DF700 can do. Weight (and, to a smaller extent, cost which is tax deductible) are their main concerns since they use their tools days in and days out. Amateurs obviously are in a different category and their decision-making process can be different. As of now, all the Kapex owners I know are amateurs.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Of all the domino users I know in person, none has both models. That says about how common or uncommon people own both models for the sake of keeping just one setting in each model.

I own and use both. I bought the DF700 first a number of years ago for a specific project and used it for similar, heavier work since. While I had the Seneca adapter and the DF500 cutters for it, I never used them with that machine. Fast forward early this year and I picked up a DF500 in nearly new condition for a "very attractive cost". I've been using that a whole lot as of late, but still pull out the bigger machine when I want a heavier tenon or a much deeper tenon with longer stock. But as with most folks, adjustments and cutter changes are very easy and fast to do so I don't feel compelled to have "dedicated setups". A production shop might, however.

 

[ChuckM]

I have and use both. The 500 came first and is used most of the time. The 700 came when I had to build a bunch of benches out of Ipe (tough wood). I wish Festool would offer the 500 with the same form factor as the 700 but scaled down.

Maybe one day a clone machine producer would...if Festool decided to pass up the opportunity. The discussions on the DF600 brought up many potential upgrade features for the DF500.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Even with all of the routers I have, with specific task set-ups, I would never consider a second DF500.
I would definitely go for a DF700 though. As has been said, it wouldn't be used nearly as often, it would be nice to have.
Chuck is 100% right on the DF600.... I would love to see that happen.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I'm hanging out for the DDF700 myself, two parallel cutters like the DDF40 to cut extra wide mortises in one go! ;-)

 

[HighlandMarine]

Chalk up another for both df500 and df700. Bought the 500 first, then saw people saying you could have best of both with a df700 and a Seneca kit. So I ordered the 700 planning to return the 500 under the 30 day policy. After using both, never bothered with the kit, and kept both tools. Different animals, nor would I want to be making 5mm mortises with a 700.

 

[Cheese]

FOG member #9 to own & use both machines.  [smile]

2 different machines used for 2 different end products. 

After using the DF 500 for several projects and being totally amazed, I kept my eye out for a lightly used DF 700. Found a new one 7 years ago at Woodcraft for 25% off with the 3 year warranty. I sold the PC biscuit joiner after the 1st DF 500 project.  [big grin]

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[rst]

I also have both but use the 500 90% of the time